press charges

idiom

: to take legal action against someone : to officially accuse someone of a crime

He was caught shoplifting, but the store owner didn't press charges.

Examples of press charges in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Although the deadline to press charges expired last Friday, Dominican law allows a judge to issue a 10-day extension, during which prosecutors can finalize their cases. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 July 2024 So, the owner who left their pet in the vehicle can't sue or press charges against you. —

Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 18 June 2024 The county attorney declined to press charges because of a lack of evidence. —

Sarah Lapidus, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024 Now, prosecutors themselves are reportedly joining the push to press charges, Reuters reported Sunday, citing two people familiar with the situation. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for press charges

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'press charges.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Press charges.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/press%20charges. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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